Jeremy Somogye
Eugene Water and Electric Board

Kim Ognisty
Pacific Gas & Electric

DESCRIPTION

As hydropower infrastructure ages and environmental priorities shift, the conversation around decommissioning hydropower projects has gained increasing importance. This panel will provide an in-depth exploration of the various factors that can influence the decision to decommission hydropower facilities, as well as the complex journey from initial decision-making to the physical removal of dams.
Participants will gain valuable insights into the intricate regulatory frameworks that guide the decommissioning process, the crucial role of stakeholder engagement, and the need to balance the interests of diverse groups. The panel will also discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise, such as sediment management, habitat restoration, and the economic and community impacts on the path to dam removal.

This Panel is within the Regulatory and Policy Track at the conference. 
 
This session is a 201-level discussion for those looking to take a deeper dive into this subject matter.

Moderator:
Jeremy Somogye, Engineering Planner, Eugene Water and Electric Board

Panelists:

• Kim Ognisty, Pacific Gas & Electric
• Todd Olson, PacifiCorp
• Nuria Holmes, Camas LLC

Panelists Bios:

• Jeremy Somogye's primary role at Eugene Water Electric Board (EWEB) is managing the decommissioning effort for the Leaburg Hydroelectric Project, but he often assists with various generation engineering and dam safety tasks as needed. Prior to joining EWEB in 2021, Jeremy was the Construction Services Manager for Lane County, Oregon for 5 years where he oversaw their construction engineering and utility permitting programs as well as their geotechnical and construction materials laboratory. Jeremy also worked for over 15 years as a geotechnical and construction engineering consultant where he gained extensive experience as an owner’s representative for many heavy civil, industrial, transportation, water resource and energy projects in the Midwest and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Jeremy’s civic experience includes 6 years as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Kalama, Washington where he gained additional insight into land use and civic master planning and navigating complex annexations.